The following story is from Steve Harrison (it was posted in the most recent Bethany Urban Development newsletter). Enjoy, be blessed, and have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year!
-Jacob
A CHRISTMAS PERSPECTIVE
I did something recently that I've never done before. I went Christmas shopping on Black Friday! Yes, I've seen the videos of shoppers going crazy but I had a misguided notion that it would be more civil and orderly this year. I was wrong. Without a doubt, Christmas has been high jacked by dog-eat-dog commercialism. I was tempted to get depressed until I got an unusual thought. Rather than bemoaning crass consumerism maybe I should rejoice that people are buying for others rather than themselves. If selfishness is the root of mankind's problems, then isn't giving a big step towards solving them?
Some time ago, I read an email warning Christians not to celebrate Christmas. It pointed out the dangers of associating with a holiday that has such deep pagan roots. Apparently, centuries ago, there was a festival called "The Birthday of the Unconquered Sun" celebrated on December 25th. This holiday was highlighted by drunken debauchery and lewdness. When the Roman Empire became the Holy Roman Empire, some Christians leaders tried to clean up the festival by declaring it Christ's birthday. Obviously, the idea worked. It might be tempting to consider Christmas a demonic plot except for this thought. The Kingdom of God, by its very nature, penetrates and replaces all other kingdoms and philosophies around it. If December 25th was once marked as a dark pagan festival, isn't it amazing that it has been replaced by one of the happiest days of the year?
Yes, there are plenty of things we can complain about - even Christmas. Throughout the year, we face enormous personal challenges. Often, our families are stretched to the limit. At times, we feel overwhelmed by it all. But something happens at the end of each year that seems to transcend all of this. At Christmas, we gather together and pause to remember how wonderful God is. We reflect on the Christ-child who became vulnerable so we wouldn't fear to come near. We are reminded that He came to free us from our sins and discover our true purpose for living. We remember His sacrifice which brings relief to our suffering and peace from our pain. This still remains the greatest story ever told.
Yes, we can complain about what's wrong with Christmas. But why do that when there is just so much to be thankful for?
